KCB women's team against KDF in a past match/ HANDOUTKenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) vice-president Paul Bitok believes a Sh17.3 million incentive package will motivate and intensify competition in the 2026/27 National League.
Under a new partnership between KVF and betting firm betPawa, players and technical staff will receive Sh4,000 each for a win under the Locker Room Bonus programme.
The initiative is expected to benefit 494 players and technical staff across the men’s and women’s leagues, with 14 players and two members of the technical bench from each winning team receiving payments directly through their mobile money wallets.
Bitok, a former international player and Malkia Strikers coach, said the programme will particularly benefit smaller clubs by giving them additional motivation to challenge established sides.
“I have been a player and coach, and we did not have this kind of motivation. It is a game changer for the small teams,” he said.
He cited Kapu’s victory over Chema in a men’s friendly on Wednesday as an early indication of the competitive spirit the incentives could inspire ahead of the new season. DCI also defeated Kenya Defence Forces in a women’s match.
“Last year, team number seven KAPU beat team number two CHEMA (in the playoffs). I believe this will send a warning to those champions,” Bitok said.
The partnership was launched alongside a training and onboarding session that brought together 52 participants from 26 teams, as well as federation officials, to ensure bonuses are distributed transparently.
The wider sponsorship package also includes support for federation operations and prize money for league finalists.
Bitok said strengthening domestic competition was essential to sustaining Kenya’s international standing, pointing to the Malkia Strikers’ continental achievements.
Kenya claimed their 10th African title in 2023 after defeating Egypt 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. However, Egypt reclaimed the crown in 2026 with a straight-sets victory over Kenya.
Bitok also praised clubs for supporting the federation during financial challenges last season, citing KCB’s contribution towards venue costs and assistance from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Pipeline for trophies.
KPA won the men’s league title after defeating debutants Chema in the final, while Kenya Pipeline retained the women’s crown.
KVF organising secretary John Oronje said league draws would be conducted on Saturday, with 16 men’s teams expected in the top division. Player registration is scheduled to begin this weekend, while the federation is also planning second-division competitions for men and women.
A tournament in Eldoret is planned before November 15, although the venue is yet to be confirmed.
The federation hopes the incentives will improve player motivation, narrow the gap between clubs and make the new season more competitive.
The scheme is a broader effort to make domestic sports more competitive by rewarding performance while improving the structures that support athletes and leagues.
Nigerian musician and sports investor Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, who is associated with the Locker Room Bonus initiative, said equal financial rewards across competing teams could help address the imbalance between wealthy clubs and those operating on tighter budgets.
“Money does do the talking. And so for us, because we feel like we are at the beginning stage of the structuring of African sports, we need to make it a level playing field. Equal pay regardless of team is helping to promote better competitiveness and is helping to level the playing field,” said Ajibade.
He added that clubs with deeper financial resources often attract the best players, making it difficult for less-funded teams to compete consistently.
Equal performance-based bonuses, he argued, would give players across the league an additional reason to fight for victories, regardless of their clubs’ financial standing.
The programme is designed to reward athletes for results while making it possible for them to earn additional income without having to leave their home countries in search of better playing conditions.
The programme also incorporates digital tools for collecting match statistics, allowing federations, teams and potential sponsors to access information on players and competitions.
Ajibade said the availability of credible data could help sponsors identify teams with strong performances and fan interest, making it easier to direct funding towards specific clubs or athletes.
He added that concerns over unpaid bonuses, weak administration and limited transparency had contributed to mistrust in African sports, discouraging businesses that might otherwise invest in local competitions.
Ajibade said the availability of credible data could help sponsors identify teams with strong performances and fan interest, making it easier to direct funding towards specific clubs or athletes.
He added that concerns over unpaid bonuses, weak administration and limited transparency had contributed to mistrust in African sports, discouraging businesses that might otherwise invest in local competitions.
